Van Buren Shop Owners Look To Revitalize Downtown Economy

Van Buren city officials and local shop owners gathered late last month to brainstorm ideas to promote and create new interest in the historic downtown district.

Van Buren city officials and local shop owners gathered late last month to brainstorm ideas to promote and create new interest in the historic downtown district.

Efforts are underway to revitalize the six blocks of the historic downtown area that is filled with art galleries, antique shops, restaurants and other attractions.

At the head of those efforts the panel is considering its inclusion into the Arkansas Downtown Network, a program offered by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage. The program offers resources and education to communities who are not able to commit to the level of certified Main Street towns in an effort to both revitalize their built environment and build the capacity to become a certified Main Street community, according to its website.

A minimum price tag of $4,850 is required to become involved. The Arkansas Downtown Network suggests community cooperation and fundraising efforts to come up with the funding and encourages community involvement, according to Planning Assistant Lisa Franklin.

The program focuses on organization and revitalization efforts, and provides resources to merchants, property owners and the Historic District on ways to promote business and seek out funding opportunities, Franklin said.

The program works beyond the Main Street Arkansas network by providing a comprehensive core to serve a broader base of Arkansas communities that are focused on revitalizing their historic commercial core, according to a post on the Arkansas Downtown Network website.

Other cities involved in the Downtown Network include Fort Smith, Clarksville and Pine Bluff.

City Planning Director Joe Hurst said although the city is interested in exploring the option, no commitment has been made to join the network.

"We want to revitalize downtown; it’s always been a priority," Hurst said. "This would be one option we could consider, but we don’t know if we’re going to do it. There has to be engagement from the public and they need to be receptive to it."

Hurst said with ongoing parks projects and other citywide projects, energy is building to boost interest in downtown.

"With what we have already going, there is momentum and this is a perfect time to get going to improve and revitalize that area," Hurst said.

The panel plans to meet with representatives of the Department of Arkansas Heritage on July 31 at 5:30 p.m. at the King Opera House, 427 Main St.

Officials also want to see more business owners to grow the downtown area.

Wes Turner, owner of Main Street Interiors and an ex-officio member of the Historic Commission and president of The Old Town Merchants Association, stressed the importance of occupying every building along Main Street.

"In order for us to be successful down here, we have to lease out these buildings," Turner said. "We have too many empty buildings and there’s not enough places to go."

Van Buren Advertising & Promotion Commission Executive Director Maryl Koeth said although the A&P Commission is promoting the downtown district, another way to generate business and entice consumers to Main Street would be to provide more variety for families with children or a broader arts and entertainment network to give the area a newer direction.

Franklin said the Historic District Commission also is considering a geocaching walking tour, which could bring business to the city.

Additionally, Franklin said, the city will be adding a few parks to add interest to the area.

The bottom line, according to Turner, is to generate revenue.

"We have to build, and we have to find a way to get bodies here; we want people to spend money on Main Street," Turner said.